International Growth Centre (IGC) Jobs 2026: Paid Economics, Research and Policy Opportunities in Jordan and South Africa

 

The International Growth Centre (IGC) Jobs 2026 offer experienced economists, researchers and policy professionals an opportunity to contribute to evidence-based economic policymaking and development research through three paid positions in Jordan and South Africa. The IGC is recruiting a Country Economist in Jordan, two Economist Consultants in South Africa, and a Research and Policy Officer in South Africa. These positions provide opportunities for qualified professionals to apply their economic research, analytical, policy development and programme management skills to real-world development challenges.

With competitive remuneration, opportunities to engage with government institutions and researchers, and the chance to contribute to policies addressing economic development and affordable housing, these IGC vacancies may appeal to professionals seeking to advance their careers in international development, economic research and public policy.

Applications are currently open, but candidates should pay close attention to the different application procedures and closing dates. The two South Africa positions have a deadline of 25 October 2026, while applications for the Country Economist position in Jordan close on 30 October 2026.

This article provides a detailed guide to the International Growth Centre’s recruitment opportunities, including job responsibilities, eligibility requirements, qualifications, remuneration, contract duration, application procedures and official application links.

About the International Growth Centre (IGC)

The International Growth Centre is a research and policy organisation that works to support economic growth in developing countries. Through partnerships with governments, academics, researchers and development partners, the organisation seeks to generate and apply rigorous economic evidence to address important development challenges.

The IGC’s work connects academic research with practical policymaking. Rather than focusing exclusively on producing research, the organisation works to ensure that evidence can inform government decisions, improve public policies and contribute to sustainable economic development.

The organisation maintains an in-country presence through its Country Economists and country programmes. Its partner countries include Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Jordan, Mozambique, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Zambia. The IGC also operates Flexible Engagement programmes covering locations and regions such as the Caribbean, Tanzania, Nepal and South Africa.

Through these programmes, the IGC collaborates with government officials, academic researchers, development partners and other stakeholders to identify policy priorities and develop evidence-informed solutions.

The current recruitment exercise focuses on three positions across Jordan and South Africa. While the Jordan position emphasises economic analysis, country strategy and policy engagement, the South Africa vacancies concentrate on affordable housing, urban development and spatial reform under Operation Vulindlela Phase II.

These opportunities may be particularly relevant to professionals who want to use research and economic analysis to influence public policy and address practical development challenges.

Overview of the IGC Job Vacancies for 2026

The IGC is recruiting for three distinct positions, with two openings available for the Economist Consultant role in South Africa.

Position	Location	Remuneration	Contract or employment details	Application deadline
Country Economist	Amman, Jordan	At least £50,000 gross annually, plus a 10% retirement contribution supplement	Salary-based position	30 October 2026, 23:59 UK time
Economist Consultant — 2 positions	South Africa, remote	£180–£220 per day	40–60 days of consultancy work, ending March 2027	25 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. SAST
Research and Policy Officer	South Africa, remote	£110 per day	220 days of consultancy work per year, ending March 2028	25 October 2026, 5:00 p.m. SAST

Each position has different academic requirements, responsibilities and application procedures. Applicants should therefore review the relevant job description and person specification before submitting their documents.

Important: The positions are paid opportunities, but the two South African roles are explicitly described as consultancy contracts. Applicants should not assume that the consultancy positions offer the same employment benefits or arrangements as a salaried staff position.

1. Country Economist — Jordan

Position overview

The International Growth Centre is seeking a Country Economist to join its programme in Jordan, based in Amman. The successful candidate will work under the leadership of the Country Director and Lead Academic to support the implementation of the country’s economic development strategy and strengthen the connection between local policy priorities and international research expertise.

Country Economists play an important role in the IGC’s country programmes. They help identify pressing economic policy challenges, develop research opportunities and ensure that the organisation’s work responds to the needs of policymakers and other stakeholders.

The Jordan position combines economic analysis, policy engagement, research coordination and programme delivery. It is suited to a professional with strong economics expertise who can communicate complex findings clearly and work collaboratively with government institutions, researchers and development partners.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant will contribute to the design, implementation and management of the IGC’s work in Jordan.

1. Economic research and policy analysis

The Country Economist will conduct and support high-quality economic analysis that responds to local development priorities. This includes examining economic policy questions, identifying relevant research evidence and helping translate research findings into practical recommendations.

The role requires a strong understanding of economic policy and the ability to evaluate evidence critically. Applicants should be comfortable working with quantitative economic information and developing written outputs that communicate important findings to different audiences.

2. Government and stakeholder engagement

An important component of the position is building and maintaining productive relationships with government officials, academic researchers, development partners and other stakeholders.

The Country Economist will help connect policymakers with relevant research expertise and identify opportunities for collaboration. This requires strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and the ability to understand the priorities of different institutions.

3. Research development and coordination

The successful candidate will identify and support research opportunities that address important policy questions in Jordan. This involves helping align research activities with the country’s priorities and ensuring that the evidence generated can contribute to policymaking.

4. Policy communication and dissemination

The position involves producing high-quality policy analysis and written outputs. The Country Economist will also help communicate research findings through meetings, events and wider communications activities.

The objective is to make economic evidence accessible and useful to policymakers rather than limiting its impact to academic audiences.

5. Programme management and monitoring

The successful applicant will contribute to the management, monitoring and evaluation of the country programme. This includes helping ensure that activities remain aligned with local priorities, programme objectives are monitored effectively and interventions contribute to meaningful policy impact.

Eligibility criteria and required qualifications

Applicants for the Country Economist position should demonstrate the following qualifications and competencies:

• Postgraduate qualification: A postgraduate degree in economics, public policy or a related discipline is required.
• Strong economics background: Applicants should possess a solid understanding of economics and economic policy.
• Excellent quantitative skills: Candidates must be capable of conducting economic analysis and interpreting quantitative evidence.
• Understanding of economic policy: A sophisticated understanding of economic policy issues is essential.
• Arabic language proficiency: Fluency in Arabic is required.
• Written communication: Applicants should be able to produce clear, accurate and high-quality written outputs.
• Oral communication: Strong communication skills are necessary for engaging with government officials, researchers and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Candidates should demonstrate a respectful, team-oriented and cooperative approach to working with others.
• Initiative: Successful applicants are expected to be dynamic self-starters who can work proactively and contribute to programme objectives.

Candidates should carefully consider the Arabic-language requirement before applying. Applicants who otherwise meet the academic and technical criteria but do not speak Arabic fluently may not satisfy this essential requirement.

Location and work arrangements

The position is based in Amman, Jordan. The supplied vacancy information does not specify the contract duration, a remote-work arrangement or relocation assistance. Applicants who require clarification on these matters should consult the official job description or contact the designated recruitment contact.

Salary and benefits

The advertised salary is no less than £50,000 gross per annum, with an additional retirement contribution supplement of 10%. The stated salary is inclusive of allowances.

The organisation indicates that salaries will be commensurate with experience while taking pay equity within the Centre into account.

The final remuneration offered may therefore depend on the successful candidate’s experience and the organisation’s applicable pay arrangements.

How to apply for the Country Economist position

Applications must be submitted through the official London School of Economics (LSE) Jobs recruitment portal.

Interested candidates should:

1. Read the official vacancy information and review the accompanying application guidance.
2. Consult the Country Economist job description and person specification to understand the role’s requirements.
3. Prepare an application that demonstrates their postgraduate qualifications, economic analysis skills, understanding of policy and relevant professional experience.
4. Highlight their fluency in Arabic and their ability to communicate with policymakers and researchers.
5. Submit their application through the official online recruitment system before the closing date.

 

Application deadline: 30 October 2026, at 23:59 UK time. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. Economist Consultant — South Africa (Two Positions Available)

Position overview

The IGC is recruiting two Economist Consultants to support its South Africa programme. These are remote positions based in South Africa, offering qualified economists an opportunity to contribute to policy research and analysis on affordable housing and spatial reform.

The consultants will support workstreams connected to Operation Vulindlela Phase II, an initiative associated with economic and structural reforms in South Africa. Their work will focus on identifying practical policy options that can improve housing affordability and address challenges associated with urban development and spatial inequality.

The organisation is seeking professionals who can review complex economic and policy evidence, draw insights from South African and international experience, and translate their findings into clear recommendations for government policymakers.

The two consultants will each support a specific workstream within the programme.

Key policy areas

The consultancy positions cover several important dimensions of affordable housing policy and spatial reform.

1. Designing demand-side and supply-side subsidies

Consultants may examine how different subsidy mechanisms can support affordable housing. This includes evaluating interventions that help households access housing and measures that encourage or enable the provision of affordable homes.

Applicants should be able to assess the potential advantages, limitations and trade-offs associated with different policy designs.

2. Public land release for affordable housing

Another area of focus is the release of public land for affordable housing development. The work may involve reviewing evidence and policy options relating to how public land can be made available, the conditions under which it can be used and the implications for housing affordability.

3. Reviewing national affordable housing programmes

The consultants will contribute to reviews of existing national housing programmes, policies and regulations. This work requires the ability to examine current approaches, identify potential gaps and consider how programmes could be improved.

4. Preserving housing affordability

The positions also involve examining policy options for preserving affordability over time. Consultants will help assess how different interventions may support continued access to affordable housing and what trade-offs policymakers need to consider.

Key responsibilities

The Economist Consultants will undertake analytical and policy-support activities, including:

• Reviewing South African and international economic research, policy documents and other relevant evidence.
• Synthesising large volumes of complex information into clear, useful findings.
• Developing feasible policy options for government decision-makers.
• Preparing concise analytical notes, evidence reviews and policy briefs.
• Creating presentations that communicate findings and policy recommendations.
• Participating in technical discussions with researchers and government counterparts.
• Supporting the assessment of policy alternatives and their associated trade-offs.
• Undertaking light data cleaning and analysis where required.

The positions prioritise the ability to turn research into practical policy advice. Candidates should therefore be capable of explaining not only what the available evidence shows, but also how the findings could inform policy decisions.

The consultants will report to the Country Manager and receive supervision from the Country Economist. They will also have access to leading urban economists who will serve as advisers.

Eligibility criteria and required qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

Academic qualifications

• A master’s degree in economics or a related discipline is required.
• A PhD is preferred but is not stated as mandatory.

A relevant related discipline may provide a suitable academic foundation where the applicant also has the required research, analytical and policy experience. Candidates should consult the official job description for any further clarification on accepted qualifications.

Research and analytical skills

Applicants must demonstrate strong research and analytical abilities. This includes reviewing academic literature and policy documents, evaluating evidence and synthesising large amounts of information into meaningful conclusions.

Policy writing experience

Excellent written communication is essential. Candidates should be able to prepare concise and accessible analytical notes, evidence reviews and policy briefs for a government policy audience.

The ability to communicate technical economic issues without unnecessary academic jargon will be particularly valuable.

Knowledge of South African development challenges

Applicants should have a good understanding of South Africa’s economic and development challenges. A particular interest in affordable housing, urban development and spatial reform is required.

Candidates with relevant research or policy experience in these areas should make that experience clear in their applications.

Independent working and initiative

The consultants must be capable of working independently, taking initiative and meeting policy deadlines. Attention to detail is important because their work will support decisions on complex public policy issues.

Remuneration and contract duration

The advertised remuneration is £180–£220 per day, depending on experience.

Each consultancy is expected to involve approximately 40–60 days of work, with the contract running until March 2027.

These positions may suit economists who want to contribute to a defined policy research project while working remotely from South Africa. However, applicants should note that the stated duration is based on a specified number of consultancy days rather than a conventional full-time annual employment arrangement.

Required application documents

Applicants must email their application documents in PDF format to citiesthatwork@theigc.org.

The application must contain three documents:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)

The CV must be no longer than one page. It should highlight the applicant’s relevant degree and relevant professional experience rather than including unrelated information.

Applicants must also include the names of one or two referees.

Given the limited length, candidates should prioritise experience demonstrating economic research, analytical writing, policy analysis and knowledge of affordable housing or urban development.

2. Cover letter

The cover letter must be no longer than two pages. It should explain how the applicant meets the selection criteria and identify their particular interests and experience in affordable housing policy.

Rather than simply repeating the CV, the cover letter should provide specific examples of relevant work, explain the applicant’s analytical strengths and demonstrate their ability to contribute to the IGC’s South Africa programme.

3. Writing sample

Applicants must submit a writing sample that they wrote independently and did not co-author.

The sample should demonstrate their ability to write for a non-technical, non-academic audience. Candidates should therefore select a piece that communicates research findings, policy issues or analytical conclusions clearly and accessibly.

A writing sample that is overly technical or heavily dependent on academic jargon may not demonstrate the particular communication skills the organisation seeks.

How to submit the application

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Prepare a one-page CV highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience, including one or two named referees.
2. Write a cover letter of no more than two pages, explaining how you meet the criteria and outlining your affordable housing policy interests and experience.
3. Select a writing sample that you wrote alone and that demonstrates clear communication for a non-specialist audience.
4. Save all three documents in PDF format.
5. Email the documents to citiesthatwork@theigc.org.
6. Use the exact email subject line “South Africa Economist”.
7. Submit the application before the stated deadline.

Applicants should check that all three documents are attached and readable before sending the email. They should also ensure that the cover letter and writing sample directly demonstrate their suitability for the consultancy.

Application deadline: Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 5:00 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST). Late applications will not be accepted.

3. Research and Policy Officer — South Africa

Position overview

The International Growth Centre is also recruiting a Research and Policy Officer to support the delivery of its South Africa programme. The position is remote and based in South Africa, with a particular focus on affordable housing and spatial reform under Operation Vulindlela Phase II.

Unlike the Economist Consultant positions, which focus primarily on specific analytical workstreams, the Research and Policy Officer role combines research coordination, analysis, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery.

The successful candidate will work with the programme team and researchers to coordinate research projects, facilitate evidence synthesis, support data access and cleaning, maintain programme records and contribute to policy outputs.

This position may be particularly suitable for early- to mid-career professionals with a background in economics, public policy, development studies or a related field who have strong organisational and analytical skills.

Key responsibilities

1. Research coordination

The Research and Policy Officer will support the coordination of research projects within the IGC’s South Africa programme.

This includes working with researchers and programme colleagues to help organise activities, facilitate the flow of information and ensure that research work progresses in line with agreed priorities.

2. Evidence reviews and analytical support

The role requires the ability to conduct literature and policy reviews and synthesise complex evidence. The successful candidate will help the programme team understand relevant findings and incorporate them into research activities and policy outputs.

This responsibility requires strong research skills and an ability to distinguish relevant evidence from information that is less useful to a particular policy question.

3. Data access, cleaning and support

The officer will support data access and cleaning activities where required. These tasks may involve helping organise datasets, preparing information for analysis and supporting researchers in their efforts to generate useful findings.

The supplied vacancy information does not specify particular software or programming languages, so candidates should consult the full job description for any additional technical requirements.

4. Stakeholder engagement

The position involves supporting engagement with government institutions, development partners, researchers and other stakeholders.

The listed stakeholders include:

• The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in South Africa.
• The Presidency of South Africa.
• South Africa’s National Treasury.
• Metropolitan governments.

The successful candidate should be comfortable communicating professionally with officials and researchers and supporting the coordination of stakeholder interactions.

5. Programme administration and project management

The officer will maintain workplans and programme records, contribute to monitoring and reporting, and support programme operations.

These responsibilities require good organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage several activities at the same time.

6. Policy outputs and programme delivery

The Research and Policy Officer will contribute to the development of policy outputs related to affordable housing and spatial reform. Working alongside economists and researchers, the officer will help ensure that evidence and research findings are effectively incorporated into programme activities.

The role reports to the Country Manager and is supervised by the Country Economist.

Eligibility criteria and required qualifications

Academic qualifications

Applicants must hold at least an undergraduate degree in one of the following fields or a similar discipline:

• Economics.
• Public policy.
• Development studies.
• A related academic discipline relevant to the position.

A master’s degree is preferred, but it is not stated as a mandatory requirement. Candidates who meet the undergraduate-degree requirement and can demonstrate strong relevant skills may therefore wish to consider applying.

Research and analytical ability

Applicants should have strong research and analytical skills, including experience conducting literature reviews, reviewing policies and synthesising complex evidence.

The ability to organise information and produce clear findings will be important when supporting research projects and policy development.

Written communication

Excellent written communication skills are required. Candidates should be able to communicate research findings, prepare written outputs and support the production of policy-related documents.

Project management and organisation

Strong project management and organisational skills are essential. The officer will support workplans, programme records, monitoring, reporting and operational activities.

Applicants should demonstrate that they can organise tasks, manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.

Stakeholder engagement

The successful candidate should be confident engaging professionally with government officials, researchers and development partners. Clear communication, reliability and the ability to work collaboratively will be important.

Understanding of South African development challenges

Applicants should have a good understanding of South Africa’s economic and development challenges, particularly affordable housing, urban development and spatial reform.

Experience in research coordination, public policy, development programmes or related work may help demonstrate suitability, provided it aligns with the requirements in the official job description.

Independence and attention to detail

The officer must be able to work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities. Attention to detail is important for research coordination, programme documentation and reporting.

Remuneration and contract duration

The advertised remuneration is £110 per day.

The consultancy involves 220 days of work per year and is expected to run until March 2028.

This provides a longer project horizon than the Economist Consultant contracts, which are expected to conclude in March 2027. Nevertheless, applicants should recognise that the Research and Policy Officer position is also a consultancy arrangement, and the stated remuneration should not automatically be interpreted as an annual salary or as including employment benefits.

Required application documents

Candidates must email their application to citiesthatwork@theigc.org in PDF format.

The application must include the following:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)

The CV must be no longer than one page. It should focus on the applicant’s relevant degree and experience and include the names of one or two referees.

Applicants should prioritise relevant research, analytical, project coordination, policy and organisational experience.

2. Cover letter

The cover letter must not exceed two pages. It should explain how the applicant meets the role’s selection criteria, using specific examples of their skills and experience.

A strong cover letter should connect the applicant’s background to the responsibilities of the position, particularly research coordination, evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery.

Candidates should also demonstrate their understanding of affordable housing, urban development and spatial reform in South Africa where supported by their experience or knowledge.

How to apply for the Research and Policy Officer position

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the official job description to confirm the responsibilities and requirements.
2. Prepare a CV of no more than one page, highlighting the relevant degree and experience and including one or two named referees.
3. Write a cover letter of no more than two pages, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.
4. Save both documents as PDF files.
5. Email the documents to citiesthatwork@theigc.org.
6. Use the exact subject line “South Africa Research and Policy Officer”.
7. Submit your application before the deadline.

Before sending the email, check that the documents are correctly attached, the subject line is accurate and the cover letter clearly demonstrates your suitability for the position.

Application deadline: Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 5:00 p.m. SAST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Which IGC position should you apply for?

The most appropriate position will depend on your academic qualifications, experience, professional interests and preferred responsibilities.

Choose the Country Economist position if:

• You hold a postgraduate degree in economics, public policy or a related field.
• You have strong quantitative economic analysis skills.
• You have a sophisticated understanding of economic policy.
• You are fluent in Arabic.
• You are interested in government engagement, research development and economic policy in Jordan.

This position has a particularly important language requirement and is based in Amman.

Choose the Economist Consultant positions if:

• You hold at least a master’s degree in economics or a related discipline.
• You have strong research and analytical skills.
• You can synthesise complex evidence and write policy briefs for non-academic audiences.
• You have an interest in affordable housing, urban development and spatial reform.
• You are based in South Africa and can undertake the remote consultancy.

A PhD is preferred but is not explicitly required.

Choose the Research and Policy Officer position if:

• You hold at least an undergraduate degree in economics, public policy, development studies or a similar discipline.
• You have strong organisational, research and analytical skills.
• You can support research coordination, evidence synthesis and programme administration.
• You are comfortable engaging with stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
• You have an interest in South Africa’s economic development and affordable housing policies.

A master’s degree is preferred but not mandatory according to the supplied vacancy details.

Important application dates and final checklist

The deadlines are close, so applicants should plan their submissions carefully.

Opportunity	Deadline	Time zone
Economist Consultant — South Africa	Sunday, 25 October 2026	5:00 p.m. SAST
Research and Policy Officer — South Africa	Sunday, 25 October 2026	5:00 p.m. SAST
Country Economist — Jordan	Friday, 30 October 2026	23:59 UK time

Before submitting an application, use this checklist:

• Confirm that you meet the academic and professional requirements for the chosen role.
• Read the official job description and any accompanying application guidance.
• Prepare the documents in the required format and length.
• Use the correct email subject line for the South Africa positions.
• Include the required referees and writing sample where applicable.
• Ensure that your application clearly demonstrates relevant experience and skills.
• Submit your application before the deadline.
• Keep a copy of your submitted documents and email for your records.

Applicants should rely on the official vacancy information for any additional requirements that are not covered in this article.

The International Growth Centre (IGC) Jobs 2026 present valuable paid opportunities for economists, researchers and policy professionals interested in economic development, evidence-based policymaking and public policy research. With a Country Economist position in Jordan, two Economist Consultant vacancies in South Africa and a Research and Policy Officer consultancy, the recruitment exercise offers several pathways for qualified candidates to contribute to important development challenges.

The Country Economist role is best suited to professionals with postgraduate qualifications, strong quantitative economics skills and fluency in Arabic. The Economist Consultant positions are designed for candidates with advanced research and policy analysis skills, particularly in affordable housing and urban development. Meanwhile, the Research and Policy Officer role offers an opportunity for graduates with relevant research, coordination and organisational skills to support policy research and programme delivery.

Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria, prepare the required documents and apply through the appropriate official channel. Remember that the South Africa vacancies close on 25 October 2026, while the Country Economist position closes on 30 October 2026.

Apply here

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